Know This!! - Before You Book Your DJ!
Photo Credit: Bethany Joy Photography, Oak & Vine Vineyard Estate, Templeton, CA
Wait! Before you book, does your DJ come with these essentials? (+ qualities I believe deserve bonus points)
PS: Past client reviews, unedited videos shared on social media, and trusted recommendations can help!
A Willingness to Play YOUR Requests - As a music lover myself, nothing would be worse than hiring a DJ, sending them my favorite songs, then hearing few-none of them (or worse, bizarre remixes that were NOT the vibe)! This is where it’s so important to ask your DJ, “will you play my song requests?”
Your DJ should be genuinely excited to talk about your music likes/dislikes and should make it clear that they want to play your favorite songs! If you tell them you don’t want to hear the “Chicken Dance”, the “Macarena”, or any similar songs, you should be able to trust that they won’t play them.
Confidence on the Mic - Your DJ/MC sets the tone, using the mic to guide your guests through your event. If they are disorganized and vague, your guests may get confused about what to do next. If they ramble, use cheesy one-liners, or make corny jokes, things can start to feel awkward.
Look for a DJ/MC who is confident. Someone who can make clear, concise announcements. Someone who understands how give easy to follow directions. Bonus points if they can match your preferred style (e.g. casual, formal, energetic, relaxed, etc.)!
Live Music Mixing - Can your DJ seamlessly transition between songs? Unless you want songs played out in full, from start to end, are they comfortable mixing music and reading the room?
This is where asking for mixing samples and/or dance floor video is super helpful!
Clear, Timely Communication - Is it clear what your DJ’s rates are, what is included with those rates, and what they need from you? Are they responding in a timely manner to your messages? (My standard is within 24 hours Monday-Friday and within 48 hours Saturday-Sunday.)
Travel to Your Venue - Is travel included? If your DJ hasn’t disclosed a set travel fee (meaning they could change this cost later), how will that be determined? If they need a night at a local hotel (typically if they’re traveling to you from out of the county), who is responsible for booking that?
Photo Credit: Ellie Koleen Photography, Private Estate, Santa Ynez, CA
And, there’s more?! - Yes, and some DJs charge extra for these!
Enough Time - Make sure you have enough coverage/service hours (typically counted from when music playback starts through the end of your Reception) and be aware of how setup/teardown fits around/within that. (e.g. If your Ceremony is at 3:30 and your Reception ends at 10, look for terms like “up to 7+ hours” or “coverage beginning at 3pm and ending at 10pm”. This is assuming setup/teardown is not counted towards that total.)
Bonus: If more time is needed, can it be added? If you add time, what will this cost?
Proper Gear - If lapel mics (vs a handheld on a stand) are important to you during your Ceremony, make sure those are included. If wireless, handheld microphones are important (vs. a wired, fixed location mic), make sure that is included. If you don’t want all your guests watching your DJ tear down their system, move it to the next spot, and set it all up again or you don’t want to hear music played from far-far away, make sure at least 2 separate speaker/sound systems are included.
Bonus: Verify that “dance floor lighting” and/or “uplighting” is included -or- know what it costs to add any lighting you want.
A Table/Booth - This earns its own line item because some DJs will bring the proper gear, but require/request that you provide them with a 6’/similar table.
Music/Planning Meetings - How will you share music with your DJ? Are they willing to meet prior to your wedding to clarify details, practice difficult pronunciations, etc.? Is there a limit to how many times you meet?
MC Services - Most DJs will also serve as your MC (which will help your event run smoothly - a good MC will get your guests excited, keep them informed, and direct attention to the right places!). While it’s rare, I have come across DJs that are unwilling to MC or even make announcements, and those DJs either do not include this service, or do so at an added cost.
Backups/Support System - What if your DJ gets injured? What if their microphone fails? What if their laptop overheats? These are all rare, but not impossible circumstances. A true professional will have a support network they can lean on and they will always have backup gear/a plan in place if anything technical goes wrong.
Sidenote: If you book a DJ for below average rates (for your venue’s region) and that DJ gets sick/injured, they will have a harder time finding someone experienced to cover for them. If you book a DJ company that’s offering someone newer for a lower rate, it’s important to ask that company what their policies are if that person is unable to DJ your event.
Photo Credit: Loveridge Photography, La Lomita Ranch, San Luis Obispo, CA
TL;DR By the end of your event, people won’t remember the exact equipment your DJ used or every word of every announcement. But, you and everyone else will remember how your DJ made them feel. You will remember if your DJ was willing and excited to work with you. You’ll remember the excitement, the joy, and the seamless, magical moments. You’ll remember if your DJ played your favorite songs and you’ll make so many memories with your loved ones as you sing/dance the night away!
Regardless of if we work together or not, I hope this helps you, and I hope that you choose an amazing DJ!
